Best Meatloaf Recipe

I admit that the best meatloaf recipe is the one that you and your family like best.

This one happens to be my personal favorite. The bacon topper adds smokiness to the flavor of the meat.

I also like the texture contrast of the mushroom slices.

Best Meatloaf Recipe

2 lbs. ground chuck*
1 cup crushed saltine crackers
3/4 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 egg
1 large clove garlic, crushed and finely minced
1 small jar mushroom slices
2 tsp. Salt
1/4 tsp. Pepper
3 slices smoky bacon cut in half

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.

Combine all the ingredients except the bacon slices in a large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape the best meatloaf recipe mixture into disposable aluminum loaf pans with holes punched in the bottom. Place the loaf pan on a larger baking pan with a rack.

Lay the bacon slices across the top at an angle.

Bake in a 325ºF oven 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155ºF.

Let the meatloaf stand 10 minutes before cutting. Cut into slices and serve. The bacon is delicious.

*Ground chuck has the ideal fat to lean ratio for this basic meatloaf recipe. If you use another meat or combinations of meats make sure the fat content is between 15 to 20 percent.